The Brave

Fans of The Contender will not be disappointed by its sequel. Lipsyte's writing is as crisp as ever; his vision of New York's seamy underside is chillingly evoked, and the novel's boxing scenes are nearly palpable. Once again, the protagonist must choose between the allure of street-life and the difficult, but rewarding, regimen of the prize fighter. Headstrong boxer Sonny Bear is one-half Moscondaga Indian, one-half white; his inner rage goads him into leaving his reservation home for New York City. Soon after his arrival Sonny falls in with an enigmatic crack dealer, and is drafted as a drug runner. He is arrested, and comes face to face with The Contender' s Alfred Brooks, now a police officer. The two forge an uneasy alliance, and Sonny resumes--this time in earnest--his training as a fighter. The Brave is no mere rehashing of its predecessor; though Sonny must cope with issues similar to those that faced Brooks 20 years ago, his riveting story stands on its own. Ages 12-up. (Sept.)